Male victims of domestic abuse in Cornwall are speaking out for the first time thanks to a new Truro-based advice and support service. Michael Sampson, who claimed he was punched, kicked and even stabbed by his former wife after 25 years of marriage, said he owes his life to Esteem. Managers of the scheme, established in March, believe demand for its service is now so high that it needs to open the county's first ever male refuge. Speaking during National Domestic Violence week, Andrew Baker, a counsellor and advocate with Esteem, said more men are coming forward and speaking out about the abuse they have suffered.